FULTON, NY – Stanton Paul Ryther, 68, passed away Friday, August 3, 2018, after a long illness.
Mr. Ryther was born in Fulton, on July 4, 1950, to the late Neal W. and Barbara (Stanton) Ryther.
He graduated from G. Ray Bodley High School and attended SUNY Oswego before joining the United States Military.
He served in the U. S. Army from 1971 to 1978 as a 91 Bravo 4 Sierra Airborne Medic with the Special Forces.
While in service for his country, Mr. Ryther was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Medic Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm.
Upon discharge he furthered his medical education and training at Cayuga Community College where he earned his Registered Nursing license.
Mr. Ryther worked in various hospitals around Central New York.
He also worked as a traveling nurse for many years on both the east and west coasts of the United States.
Mr. Ryther was active in the Boy Scouts of America throughout his entire life.
In his youth he earned his Eagle Scout and after his honorable discharge from the Army he went on to serve as troop leader for 14 years.
Mr. Ryther was an avid reader and news junkie until his illness claimed his eyesight almost eight years ago.
He learned how to use electronic devices to continue his joy of reading by using audio books.
He would stay informed on current events and he was an active participant of online debates of the issues of the day.
He stayed in touch with family and friends online and he even began to write a blog.
Mr. Ryther always enjoyed music and was a talented piano and guitar player.
He was also a gifted artist, an exceptional storyteller.
He was a repository of knowledge and trivia – which made it nearly impossible to beat him at Jeopardy.
Mr. Ryther is survived by his children: Katharine (Jason) Smith of Florence, SC, Aaron Stoughtenger of Oswego, Matthew Ryther of Olympia, Wash., and Benjamin Ryther of Fulton; his sister, Elizabeth (Charles) Copps of Fulton; two granddaughters: Beth Smith and Trinity Ryther; his former wives but forever friends: Doreen Stoughtenger Ryther, Merrie Meacham (George) Willis and Dawn Kendrick (Thomas) Gibb; and several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
A calling hour will be held Monday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Sugar Funeral Home, Inc., 224 W. Second St. S., Fulton, with the funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Charles Copps in the funeral home.
Military honors will be bestowed by the New York Military Honor Guard.
Burial will be held privately.
Donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America (national or local chapter) https://donations.scouting.org
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Rest In Peace my fellow Vietnam Veteran. Thank you for your service to our Country. May you be at peace, along with those that will miss you, but never forget you. My sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
So very sad. Stan was an amazing person. Deepest condolence to his family and friends.
Thank you uncle Stan for being my very first basketball coach u really left a big influence on my life for 12 years. And for that hot chilli u made that was to hot for me to eat. I love you may u rest in peace. To aunt Doreen, Aaron, and Ben I love you to and u are in my prayers.
What an amazing life. He did soooooo much in his life. He touched so many people. As sad as this is to me & for all of his family. This made me smile to read. My condolences to Stan’s family & friends. Rest in so much peace. Thank you for all you’ve done & time you served for our country.
God Bless this wonderful man and his family.